Tamper-proof package with adhesive assist zip closure and method for using the same

ABSTRACT

A one-use, tamper-evident and tamper-proof package with an adhesive, seal-assist zip closure. The zip closure with an adhesive seal assist is suitable for transporting valuable and/or important items in a secure manner. The subject zip closure is a pressure joined, interlocking assembly. The interlocking assembly also comprises an adhesive, such as a microencapsulated adhesive or other specialty adhesive, that is activated when the interlocking zip assembly is secured. The adhesive provides a seal assist that prevents the interlocking assembly from being opened without tampering with or otherwise opening the packaging in a non-reusable manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to one-use, tamper-evidentand/or tamper-proof packaging and, more particularly, to packaging withan adhesive seal-assist zip locking closure. The subject apparatusprovides a zip closure with an adhesive seal assist suitable fortransporting valuable and/or important items in a secure manner. In oneembodiment, the zip closure is a pressure joined, interlocking assembly.An adhesive, such as a microencapsulated adhesive or other specialtyadhesive, is activated when the interlocking zip assembly is secured.The adhesive provides a seal assist that ensures the interlockingassembly is closed in a non-reusable manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tamper evident, high security packaging is highly important for courierservices, interbank transfers, or other services and uses where thesecurity and integrity of the package contents is valued. However,current packaging offerings do not provide adequate security andtamper-evident solutions. For instance, the primary packaging forcritical documents sent by courier services (such as Federal Express,UPS, U.S. Postal Service, and the like) comprises flexible sleeves orrigid boxes with adhesive-sealed ‘flaps’. In use, a user places theitems to be delivered into the packaging. A user seals the package shutby adhering the flap to the package. Similar type packaging is used forinterbank, chain of custody, HIPAA, and evidence related courier/mailservices.

Pressure sensitive adhesives are typically used, but there is a need toprotect the adhesive prior to closing the package flap or seal. As such,typical packaging requires that the user remove an optional protectivelayer that selectively covers an adhesive strip. With or without thereleasable protective layer, the flap is then pressed against thepackaging so that the exposed adhesive secures the flap to the body ofthe packaging. In this manner, the package is closed. Opening thepackage involves the ripping a scored portion in the body of thepackage. However, it is also possible to tamper with the adhesive toopen and reseal the package.

Basically, while this type of packaging is commonly used, it does notprovide proper security for a user's contents. It is not tamper proofand does not provide evidence of tampering. The adhesively sealed flapcan be steamed, heated, frozen, or otherwise opened without altering thepackage. It is also possible to slide a flat instrument under the flapto separate the flap from the package. Additional adhesive can then beapplied to reseal the envelope or box. In any event, the flap can beresealed without any or sufficient indication that the package has beenopened. For this reason, it is also possible to reuse these packages.

It is understood in the art that it is difficult to find a pressuresensitive adhesive that is easy to apply, that is strong enough to forman effective seal upon closure, but that does not cause undesirableproblems during use (i.e., does not unintentionally form strong bonds tothe user or other items when exposed). Improved packaging for mailingenvelopes, pouches, bags or boxes or security envelopes, pouches, bagsor boxes is needed.

In addition, releasable liners, layers, or strips as commonly used tocover the adhesive are inconvenient and produce waste. Manyorganizations and individuals are looking for more environmentallysustainable alternatives to known products. The current volume ofrelease lines that are disposed of is not environmentally “green”. Therelease liners also add expense and difficulty in manufacturing,particularly when used with plastic bags. Yet, typical packaging relieson these features.

Other adhesive type closure arrangements have been used to selectivelyseal and/or close bags and packages, such as those used for food,refuse, or other household applications. These solutions have not beensuitable for commercial use. For instance, adhesive closures includeweak shear strength because the exposed adhesive cannot exceed a certain“strength”. Overly, strong adhesives might adhere to a user or otheritems in a harmful manner or otherwise render the package inoperable.

Plastic bags with zipper-locking closures are used with food transportand storage. Zip closing plastic bags, such as plastic bags sold underthe Ziploc™ brand name, involve male and female portions that interlockunder pressure to close a package. These zip closures do not necessarilyinclude a slider. For example, pressure sensitive zip closures aresealed without sliders. Instead, a user places the male and femaleportions of the zipper flush against each other. The user then slidestheir finger along the length of the zipper while place opposing forceon the male and female portions simultaneously. This causes the male andfemale portions to lock where pressure has been applied.

Plastic bag zipper closures basically comprise one or more sets ofmating channels. The channel may be integral to the bag or fabricated asa separate piece and attached to the bag. This type packaging must bereopened in order to access the food item. It is fundamental that knownzip locking packaging be resealable or selectively opened. This typepackaging is not suitable for use with mailing, shipping, or securecourier operations.

Accordingly, despite efforts to improve upon known packaging techniquesand apparatus, there remains a need for a tamper-proof and/ortamper-evident packaging that provides adequate integrity for commercialshipping and courier services. The subject disclosure addresses theabove needs and provides a one-time use packaging solution withsufficient seal strength. The apparatus as disclosed below provides aone-time use, non-resealable, non-reusable, positive lock closure via anadhesive assist where the adhesive cannot stick to a user or otheritems.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided atamper-evident and/or tamper-proof packaging solution that providesone-time use. The method of making the same is also provided. In onepreferred embodiment, the packaging includes a zipper-type closure withan adhesive seal assist. The disclosed packaging is non-resealable andthe zipper closure cannot be reopened once sealed. The disclosedapparatus provides a closure seal for flexible bags, pouches, envelopesand/or boxes wherein mating contact between a flap and the body of thepackage is eliminated. It is envisioned that the subject closure wouldoperate with co-extruded foam (padded) envelopes, bubble wrap packaging,and the like.

The subject package closure is a pressure zip type closure thatcomprises a female channel member and a corresponding male member. Inone embodiment, a microencapsulated adhesive is placed in the femalechannel during manufacturing. In use, a user inserts the male memberinto the female channel. Opposing pressure to join the male member andfemale channel is placed along the length of the zipper closure. Thepressure bursts or ruptures the microencapsulated adhesive system, whichthen activates an adhesive that cures to seal the male member to thefemale channel. In this manner, the package associated with thedisclosed package closure cannot be reopened via the zip closure. Assuch, tampering with the package contents is prevented withoutdisassembling or permanently damaging the package.

It is also envisioned that other specialty adhesives might be used. Forinstance, there are known pressure sensitive adhesive membranes (see,e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,880). It is also envisioned that a knownadhesive might be placed in the female channel and is “covered” orprotected by a breakable, non-adhesive membrane layer. In thisembodiment, the pressure of inserting the male member into the femalechannel would break the membrane allowing the underlying adhesive toseal the male member in the female channel.

With respect to microencapsulated adhesives, it is known thatmicroencapsulated adhesives differ in their mode of activation, extentof component microencapsulation, adhesive chemistry, and/or suitabilityfor various surfaces. A microencapsulated adhesive, for example, mightinclude a solvent-based system or reactive and curable resin systems.Solvent-based systems rely on adhesive reactivation through solventdelivery. An initiator is often encapsulated and placed within a resin.Releasing the initiator by opening the capsules activates the adhesivequalities of the resin.

Capsules containing a solvent for the adhesive are typically dispersedthroughout a non-tacky adhesive coating on a substrate. The solvent isreleased upon rupture of the capsules, which then makes the adhesivetacky. A plasticizer can similarly be encapsulated. A plasticizer couldbe used in place of or with a solvent to tackify the adhesive.

Reactive resin systems typically involve an encapsulated curing system.One component or the complete formulation may be encapsulated. However,the reactive components must be isolated until use.

Another form of encapsulated adhesive is the self-contained capsule. Inthis arrangement, a curing agent exists on the surface of the resincapsules. The resin flows into contact with the curing agent when thecapsules are breached. While capsule release mechanisms can involve heator dissolution of the capsule wall, it is envisioned that a pressurerelease mechanism would be used with the subject closure. The closurewould be provided with any known or commercially availablemicroencapsulated adhesive. As mentioned above, other specialtyadhesives might be used (e.g., without limitation, pressure sensitiveadhesive membranes or membrane-protected adhesives).

Turning to the zip closure, the structure and shape of the subject zipclosure may comprise known zip-locking bag closures. In one embodiment,for example, the female channel comprises an elongated semisphericalchannel that is partially enclosed. An elongated aperture runs thelength of the female channel. The male member comprises an elongatedsemispherical member that corresponds to and fits within the femalechannel. The male member is forced, under pressure, through theelongated aperture into the partially enclosed female channel. Thepressure of joining the male member and female channel bursts theadhesive capsules within the female channel or otherwise creates anadhesive seal assist between the male and female components. The shapeof the closure resists removal of the male member. The adhesive(microencapsulated, pressure sensitive, membrane-protected, etc.)provides a strong seal-assist that inhibits or prevents the zip closurefrom being reopened.

The adhesive with the subject closure may be temperature sensitive, butin one embodiment, the adhesive is not temperature sensitive. In thisembodiment, the closure would not be subject to tampering by heat,steam, ice or freezing once the adhesive seal-assist is activated. Inany event, reopening the subject zip closure destroys the adhesive sealassist so that the zip closure cannot be resealed. It is envisioned thatcolored pigment might also be encapsulated so as to indicate that themicroencapsulated adhesive has been activated (i.e., the pigment wouldbe released into the adhesive when the encapsulated initiator orresin/adhesive is released). As such, the zip closure disclosed hereinmay be transparent, but the closures could also be opaque or of a solidcolor. It is also envisioned that multiple, adhesive seal-assist zipclosures may be provided for any one package. The zip closures may bemanufactured with the subject package or independently.

The non-reusable, zip-closing packaging of the present inventioneffectively addresses one or more of the problems associated with priorart packaging. For instance, the packaging of the present disclosureprecludes tampering without leaving physical evidence of the tampering.The packaging of the present invention precludes selectively opening orresealing the packaging once the adhesive has been activated. Theforegoing and additional features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those of skill in the art from thefollowing detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C are perspective views of a package with a pressure actuatedzip closure;

FIG. 2 is a close-up, cutaway view of one embodiment of an adhesiveseal-assist closure in accordance with the subject disclosure;

FIG. 2B is an additional view thereof;

FIG. 3A is a close-up, cutaway view of an embodiment of an adhesiveseal-assist closure with a slider-type zipper in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is an additional view thereof;

FIG. 4A is a close-up, cutaway view of one embodiment of an adhesiveseal-assist closure in accordance with the subject disclosure; and

FIG. 4B is an additional view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 through 4B illustrate one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention. Naturally, a person having ordinary skill with theassembly and construction of packages will be able to create an adhesiveseal-assist package closure that incorporates the teachings of thepresent disclosure, but which may look different and incorporatedifferent, alternative parts.

The subject packaging including a zip closure with adhesive seal assisteliminates a release liner necessary to protect the adhesive, ascurrently found in practice. The elimination of the release linerreduces costs and facilitates use of the disclosed packaging. Thedisclosed seal-assist zip closure is more environmentally friendly andsustainable as the need for a release liner is obviated by the subjectconstruction. As described above, the disclosed packaging is notresealable or reusable. This is accomplished through a strongmicroencapsulated adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive (membrane),membrane-protected adhesive, and the like. The nonreusable,nonresealable closure, as disclosed herein, is designed for, althoughnot limited to, mailing envelopes, pouches, bags, boxes, and the like,particularly where security of the package contents is important (bankerbags, evidence bags, legal correspondence, and the like).

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of apackage 10 with a zip-style closure. Package 10 might be a flexible bagof any known packaging material including, but not limited to, plastic,paper, vinyl, cardboard, co-extruded foam, bubble wrap, or the like.Package 10 might comprise a composite material, such as fibers blowninto a curable resin, or other form of textile. A single zip closure 12is provided, although not illustrated in detail in this view. Packaging10 is formed of two rectilinear pieces of material joined along threeedges. Zip closure 12 runs along or adjacent to the fourth edge.

At the fourth edge, package 10 includes an opening 14 into which an itemto be stored or transported is inserted. However, differentconfigurations and shapes are envisioned. Zip closure 12 is arrangedadjacent opening 14. As will be further illustrated and describedherein, the zip closure 12 comprises corresponding male and femaleportions that are pressed into a sealing relationship so as to closeopening 14.

As illustrated, there is excess package or zipper material 16 providedbetween closure 12 and the fourth edge of package 10 immediatelyadjacent to closure 12. This excess material 16 can assist withmanipulating the closure. In known bags, this excess material 16 or“finger tab” can assist in reopening the zip closure 12 by providing anarea to grip and pull apart closure 12. It is envisioned that in orderto reinforce the non-reusable, tamper-evident features of the subjectdisclosure, that excess material 16 would be eliminated. Without theexcess material 16, it is even more difficult to pull open the zipclosure 12 as there is little leverage to pull apart the correspondingmale and female portions of the zip closure 12.

Package 10 is stored where zip closure 12 is not pressed into a sealingor “zipped” arrangement. For storing, transporting, or manufacturingpackaging 10, it is foreseen that a removable insert (not illustrated)could be placed between the corresponding male and female portions ofthe zip closure. For environmental reasons, it is preferred that aninsert or removable liner not be employed. Instead, in anotherembodiment, the structure of the zip closure (as discussed furtherbelow) is such that substantial and/or intentional force is necessary toseal the zip closure. In this embodiment, any need for an insert orrelease liner would be obviated. The seal-assist would only be activatedwhen a user intentionally shuts the zip closure through pressure appliedto the zip closure.

An item for shipment or storage (illustrated but not labeled in FIG. 1B)is inserted through opening 14 into package 10. The user then placesintentional forces on zip closure 12 along the length of zip closure 12(see FIG. 1C). This force engages the male and female portions andactivates or initiates a microencapsulated adhesive, pressure sensitivemembrane, membrane-protected adhesive, or the like.

Although package 10 is illustrated as a flexible material joined alongthree edges, it is also envisioned that packaging with the subjectclosure might comprises boxes with rigid sides. In this embodiment, thezip closure might be joined to rigid, overlapping flaps. It is alsopossible that zip closure 12 might be adhered or otherwise joined to arigid package even where closure 12 might be joined to flexible material(i.e., a six sided box where one side, which incorporates zip closure12, would be of a flexible material). In yet other embodiments, zipclosure 12 is incorporated to “bank bags” or other packagingconfigurations. Applicant does not intend to limit the structure to theflexible, rectilinear bags of illustrations 1A-1C. Pouches, co-extrudedfoam bags, bubble wrap, and the like are all operable with the subjectadhesive-assist closure.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is illustrated the structure ofone embodiment of zip closure 12 in a close-up view. As illustrated, afemale channel member 20 comprises a base wall 22 of a given thickness.Integrally formed or associated with wall 22 is a female channel 24. Asillustrated, channel 24 rises from the surface of wall 22. It is alsoenvisioned that channel 24 might be recessed or otherwise associatedwith wall 22. In this embodiment, the channel is a semicircle, elongatedtrough. The trough is partially enclosed by upper walls 26, 26′ that runalong the length of trough/channel 24. The female channel is partiallyenclosed by upper walls or “ledges” that are aligned parallel to thebase wall.

Basically, in cross section, a channel wall 28 is C-shaped. The wall iselongated to form the channel 24 with a semicircle cross-sectionalshape. Upper walls 26, 26′ intersect channel wall 28 at 90 degrees atthe top of the semicircle to partially enclose trough 24. Walls 26, 26′are not joined together. As a result, an elongated aperture 30 runs thelength of channel 24.

A male portion 32 of zipper closure 12 provides a male base wall 34.Descending from male base wall 34 is a male member 36. Male member 36corresponds to the shape of channel 24 (i.e., in this embodiment, anelongated member with a semicircular cross-sectional shape) and isdimensioned to fit within the channel. A stem 38 connects the malemember 36 to male base wall 34. The stem 38 is dimensioned to forciblyfit between walls 26, 26′ in the female channel member (i.e., the stemis shaped and dimensioned to fit within aperture 30).

The male base wall, once the male member is inserted into the femalechannel, sits flush with walls 26, 26′. Stem 38 projects through theelongated channel 30. Male member 36 is effectively locked within thefemale channel.

A microencapsulated adhesive 40 made by any known technique is placed,injected, laminated, or otherwise secured within female channel 24. Theadhesive is applied to channel 24 by known techniques. As disclosedabove, other known adhesives may be used. The adhesive is secured in thechannel either because it is a semi-rigid microencapsulated adhesive (inthe non-activated state), a membrane, or is otherwise secured in thechannel, such as by a protective membrane. Forcibly displacing,rupturing or otherwise activating the adhesive creates a seal-assist forzip closure.

The zip closure, comprising female channel member 20 and male portion32, may be fabricated independently from package 10. When manufacturedindependent of package 10, the channel member 20 and male portion 32 canbe joined at the base walls to a package 10 by an adhesive, heatdeformation, heat sealing, or the like. The channel member 20 and maleportion 32 might also be integral parts of package 10 (i.e., formedtogether).

Sealing a package via closure 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B isachieved by aligning male member 36 with channel 24 in an adjacentrelationship. A user places opposing force onto base wall 20 and malebase wall 34. Under pressure, walls 26, 26′ deform, to an extent, topermit the entry of male member 36 into channel 24. Stem 38 may alsodeform, to an extent, to align male member 36 in a manner so as to passthrough aperture 30.

As male member 36 corresponds in shape to the semispherical channel 24,the widest point of male member 36 locks against walls 26, 26′. Inaddition, the displaced volume of channel 24 due to the insertion ofmember 36, in conjunction with the force required to insert male member36, ruptures the capsules of the microencapsulated adhesive 40. Theadhesive is thereby activated to seal male member 36 within femalechannel 24. The adhesive seal-assist ensures zipper closure 12 cannot bereopened without damaging the zipper (i.e, providing tamper evidence).

Variations of the zip closure are envisioned. All known variations, suchas multi-zip closures, are suitable for use. The combination of thezip-locking mechanism and laminated, coated, or otherwise securedadhesive in the female channel creates the tamper-evident, one-time use,adhesive-seal assist closure of this disclosure. The adhesive ispreferably not temperature sensitive, and it is difficult or impossibleto insert an object between the male and female portions. Opening thesubject package requires permanent deformation of the package, such asremoving a scored opening, cutting, tearing, or the like.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a corresponding zip closure 12 wherein aslide 50 is used to forcibly engage the male portion 32 and femalechannel member 20. In this embodiment, slide 50 is placed on zip closure12 prior to joining the closure to package 10. Slide 50 can also be usedwith closures that are integral to the subject package.

In further detail, slide 50 is a block with apertures through the widthof the block corresponding to the shape of female channel member 20 andmale portion 32. One or both apertures through slide 50 is/are angled soas to bring the two components of zip closure 12 into a sealedrelationship. Slide 50 moves along the length of the male and femaleportions. Slide 50 may be removed from the zip closure after sealing theclosure by pushing the slide 50 off one end of the zip closure. Thiswould prevent the slide from being “reversed” along the length of thezip closure and possibly opening the package. To satisfy environmentalconcerns, the slides could be recycled/reused.

Briefly, with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another alternativeconstruction of zipper closure 12 is provided. In this embodiment, thefemale channel, as illustrated, comprises two distinct channels 60, 60′.A raised ridge 62 separates the channels. Each channel includes a“ledge” 64, 64′ that partially extends over (i.e., partially encloses)the respective channel 60, 60′. The ledges are aligned parallel to thebase wall of the female portion.

Two corresponding male members 70, 70′ act as tabs that fit within therespective female channels 60, 60′ and lock beneath ledges 64, 64′. Asillustrated in FIG. 4B, adhesive 40 in both channels provides a sealassist to prevent zipper closure 12 from being reopened.

Again, other zip locking constructions would be suitable. For instance,without limitation, the shape and size of the female channel andcorresponding male members could be altered while still falling withinscope of this disclosure. It is also known to include multiple zipclosures together (double zips, triple zips, etc.)

The subject zip closure is not limited to particular dimensions orpackages of a particular size. The height, thickness, and length of thezip closure components can vary as necessary. Typically, the zip closurewill comprise some form of plastic applied to a package by means of ahot melt technique, adhesives, or heat sealing arrangement. However, aswould be understood by one of skill in the art in light of thisdisclosure, the closure might be formed from other materials and sealed,adhered, or otherwise joined to a wide variety of materials such asco-extruded foams, bubble wrap, cardboard, vinyl, and the like.

The adhesive in the female channel may be coated, injected or otherwiseplaced in the channel in a manner that prevents the adhesive fromescaping prior to sealing the closure. Additives may be used in thechannel composition to improve the adhesives adherence to the package.

The closures of this disclosure provide a locking mechanical feature inconjunction with the adhesive seal assist. As the adhesive is notexposed to contact with the user or other items prior to the insertionof the male member, a stronger adhesive can be used than previouslyconsidered. Microencapsulated adhesives, acrylic or other pressuresensitive adhesives, known adhesives, or known adhesives protected by abreakable/rupturable membrane would be suitable.

While the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments thereof, it will be understood that numerous variations,modifications and additional embodiments are possible, and all suchvariations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as beingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A one-time use, non-resealable, tamper-evident package for securestorage comprising: a package opening for inserting an item into thepackage; a zip closure arranged to close the package opening, the zipclosure comprising: an elongated female portion and a correspondingelongated male portion; the female portion comprising a base wall, atleast one elongated female channel associated with the base wall, thefemale channel having a trough-like shape partially enclosed by at leastone upper wall; the male portion comprising a male base wall, a malemember extending from the base wall, the shape of the male membercorresponding to the shape of the female channel, and a stem connectingthe male member to the male base wall; and an adhesive in the femalechannel, the adhesive sealing the male member within the female channelwhen the male member is forcibly inserted into the female channel. 2.The package as described in claim 1, wherein the package comprises amaterial selected from the group comprising cardboard, co-extruded foam,foam, bubble wrap, vinyl, paper, plastic, composite, textile and somecombination thereof.
 3. The package as described in claim 1, wherein theadhesive selected from the group comprising a microencapsulatedadhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, a membrane-protected adhesive,and some combination thereof.
 4. The package as described in claim 1,wherein the adhesive is a microencapsulated adhesive.
 5. The package asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is an acrylic pressuresensitive adhesive.
 6. The package as described in claim 1, wherein thefemale channel extends away from the female base wall.
 7. The package asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the female channel further comprises anelongated aperture, the male member insertable through the aperture intothe female channel.
 8. The package as described in claim 1, where atleast one of the male or female base walls are integrally formed withthe package.
 9. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the atleast one female channel comprises two channels separated by a raisedridge.
 10. The package as described in claim 1, further comprising aslide, the slide comprising a structure with apertures corresponding tothe shape of the female portion and male portion, the slide moving alongthe length of the elongated female and male portions.
 11. The package asdescribed in claim 10, wherein the slide is removable from the zipclosure.
 12. A method for sealing a package in a tamper-evident,one-time use manner, the method comprising: providing a zip closure on apackage, the zip closure comprising male and female portions, the femaleportion further comprising a channel; securing an adhesive in thechannel of the female portion; forcibly inserting the male zip closureportion into the female zip portion; placing opposing forces on the maleportion and female portions; and sealing the male member in the femalechannel via the adhesive.